THE FIGHT FOR FAIR WAGES CONTINUES
The Outcomes for Safeway Workers at the Bargaining Table Could Impact Superstore’s Coming Battle.
As we continue bargaining for fair wages, new data shows the pressing need for an increase in pay for Safeway workers. The numbers don’t lie-people are struggling with the cost of living, and it’s time for Safeway to step up.
Thousands of Safeway employees are making less than a living wage. It’s clear that workers are underpaid and overworked, leaving us to ask: When will Safeway acknowledge this and take action?
Two Jobs To Survive
Can Safeway Afford It?
We know that Safeway is highly profitable, with extraordinary revenues. The data shows it. But the company continues to unduly to prioritize profits over the well-being of its employees. As President Thomas Hesse, put it: “One nickel for them is one less nickel for you.”
What is morally right? Safeway is looking to increase their profits and revenue. It’s time they invest in the workers who make that possible.
Struggling to Make Ends Meet
Our members are facing mounting challenges as they try to balance their jobs with the rising cost of living:
- 76.6% of workers say their Safeway job has become more stressful and draining.
- A staggering 85.5% of Safeway employees are having trouble affording to buy groceries in their own store.
The work environment has become significantly more tense, with employees being yelled at, complained about, and even threatened by angry and unpredictable customers.
It’s clear that employees are underpaid and overworked. The question is: When will Safeway acknowledge this and do something about it?
The living wage in Calgary is now about $25 an hour. Safeway employees deserve to earn at least this amount, and we are asking for a 5% increase, followed by another 5% in the future to keep up with inflation and rising costs. Employees who did not receive wage reopener increases have been especially disadvantaged. They are moving through a wage scale that must be changed as raises too small and too infrequent.
This round of bargaining is important-not only for Safeway employees but for all retail workers. If we succeed here, Superstore and other employers will likely follow our lead. This round will set the precedent for what workers deserve. While Superstore is a very different business than Safeway, workers have a common problem, both companies have extraordinary revenues but are not paying their workers fairly.
“The ingoing proposal we’ve seen so far from Safeway is disappointing, tailor-made for rejection,” states Hesse. “It’s clear that they have bargained in bad faith, and we won’t accept offers that don’t reflect the hard work and dedication of our members.”
We are committed to standing strong and fighting for fair wages. Tomorrow, we’ll provide further updates as soon as we have them.
Stay united, stay strong, and know that your fight is a collective fight.
In Solidarity,
Your Union
UFCW Local 401
Posted on: December 19,2024